Anemia

Anemia is not a disease but evidence of an underlying condition, some of which are common and others rare or very rare. Worldwide, the most common conditions causing anemia are iron deficiency, thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies, folate deficiency, and parasitic diseases (especially malaria and hookworm infections and schistosomiasis). Approximately one-third of the 5.5 billion people in the world are anemic. Worldwide, approximately 40% of children (0–12 years), 35% of all women, 51% of pregnant women, and 18% of men are anemic. The evaluation of a patient with anemia begins with a careful and detailed history regarding blood loss, chemical and drug exposure, diet, family history, and anything that might suggest an underlying condition. The blood sample test remains a valuable way to check Iron level in people.